Class of 2018 graduates from Northeast Metro Tech

Wednesday

School Committee Chairman Deborah Davis and Principal Carla Scuzzarella are pleased to announce the graduation of 292 students from Northeast Metro Tech.

On Friday, June 1, graduates from 15 different vocations were celebrated and received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony at Breakheart Stadium.

Superintendent David DiBarri encouraged students to seek out leadership opportunities as they grow in their professional and personal lives — by pursuing management roles, joining their trade's union or becoming a coach of their favorite sport.

"The United States is still the greatest country on earth but it is up to you and future generations to ensure that we continue to get better and better," DiBarri said. "Please remember that you will always be a member of the Northeast family. It is our hope that in the years to come that all of you will have some connection to Northeast."

Graduating students represented 16 communities:

Chelsea: 45

East Boston: 1

Everett: 7

Haverhill: 1

Malden: 30

Melrose: 10

Methuen: 1

North Reading: 14

Reading: 3

Revere: 51

Saugus: 55

Stoneham: 18

Wakefield: 14

Winchester: 3

Winthrop: 15

Woburn: 24

Scuzzarella began her speech by recognizing several students who are entering the armed forces and Massachusetts Maritime Academy following graduation.

John Spadafora, of Malden (Massachusetts Maritime Academy)

Pedro Carbonera, of North Reading (Navy)

Jacob Gilbert, of North Reading (Army)

Anthony Pelouso, of North Reading (Marines)

Greg Ganachia, of Saugus (Army National Guard)

Sean Tirrell, of Saugus (Army)

Nathan Peterson, of Stoneham (Massachusetts Maritime Academy)

Sean O'Neill, of Wakefield (Marines)

Michael Carey, of Woburn (Air Force)

Brandon Talalas, of Woburn (Navy)

Quoting Jeffrey Selingo, a best selling author who focuses on higher education, Scuzzarella stated that Northeast students are "T-shaped." This means they have a deep understanding of one subject, and also have the ability to work across challenging subject areas.

"I am confident that you are well prepared to be the next generation that keeps our country strong," she said. "Your teachers and I couldn't be more proud of you T's. Congratulations Class of 2018!"

Valedictorian and Vocational Student of the Year Mary Fung, of Stoneham, spoke about the type of education one receives at Northeast, including how students are prepared to enter the workforce or college with wide range of skills. In fact, 30 percent of the graduating class had a job lined up after graduation and 60 percent were accepted into a college or university.

"Follow your dreams, but don't forget where you came from. Remember the people who helped you get here and don't be afraid to ask for help," Fung said. "I hope that we can look back on this time as a period of growth and that we can use what we've learned to move on in the future. So go find your little niche in the world, wherever it is, and help others make a difference."

Salutatorian Raymond Borden, of Winthrop, spoke in rhymes about his time at Northeast, paying tribute to a fellow salutatorian, Dr. Seuss.

"You're sad that you're leaving, it's a shame you have to go, but no more home work or classwork, how could you say no?" Borden said to his peers. "...You did it, and whether by stumble or stride, you'll do what you have to to get by. The brain is not for getting A's and B's, but for seizing lifetime opportunities. That's my knowledge I impart to you, and with my final rhyme, I bid thee adieu."

Class President Rebecca Corbett, of Revere, thanked everyone — from students' families, to their teachers and staff, to her classmates — for making the last four years at Northeast so successful.

"This is it — this is the beginning of what we want to make our future," Corbett concluded. "Whether you are going to further your education, or work in your trade, I believe that each and every one of you will do great things and be great people. Keep taking care of each other like family, and as a reminder, this is not goodbye, it's see you later."